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However, there is a case in the gemorah (Sanhedrin 107b and Sotah 47a) where out of hakarot hatov for a fine meal and a good lodging, the rav says to the innkeeper that she is beautiful. His student objects that her eyes are not pretty, to which the rav pushes away his student.

According to Rashi in Sotah, this is incorrect. The Rabbi was complimenting her actions, not her appearance.
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BarryDec 29 '11 at 17:36

@Barry did the innkeeper know he was doing this when he said it?
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aviDec 29 '11 at 19:33

@Barry, Yes, but wouldn't something like that still be g'neivas da'as in general?
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jakeDec 29 '11 at 20:05

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The text doesn't say the Rabbi was addressing the innkeeper - it's more likely he was complimenting her to his student in a private conversation. Furthermore, the Rabbi genuinely meant what he said. No lying or misleading going on here.
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BarryDec 29 '11 at 21:16